South Brunswick Girl Scout Troop Earns Bronze Award For Park Bench

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Girl Scout Troop 84291 has earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest honor for Junior Girl Scouts, after completing a Friendship Bench project at Woodlot Park.

The Bronze Award recognizes Junior Girl Scouts who identify a community need and create a solution. The troop partnered with South Brunswick Township's Public Works and Recreation departments to transform an existing park bench into a "Friendship Bench," decorated with messages and artwork promoting kindness, inclusion and friendship.

Planning began in October 2025, when the troop met with Mayor Charlie Carley to discuss community needs. The girls settled on the Friendship Bench concept, worked with township staff on the design, and completed the project between April and June 2026, using reused materials where possible.

Troop 84291 members include Vanya Aggarwal, Anisha Dhavalikar, Sia Joshi, Jiya Mehta, Ana Milione, Janani Pemmasani, Tarushree Pudukkudi and Riya Sadarangani. The troop is led by Vandana Sadarangani and Ujjwala Patil Dhavalikar.

"Our parks are places where residents come together, and this project helps make Woodlot Park more welcoming," said Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. "Troop 84291 created something that will serve as a reminder of friendship and kindness."

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